For those starting chemo in June

Rads question: Since the flasher appears to be only wearing a gown, I got to wondering if we can only wear a gown in rads or can we merely strip just from the waist up?

Hi all,

So far the pain is not too bad today. Yesterday was rough. I have the annoying nasal problems and now my hands are getting red blotches on them. They do not hurt just ugly, red, and blotchey. I have polish on my nails. I will redo that today and see how much worse they have gotten this week. They are sore, so I know they have lifted even more. You know what? This "ain't fun."

I got a new Mayo schedule in the mail. They changed my Nov 17 appointments to 16 and 17 which is not good for my work schedule. Also, I have to appear in court as a psychologist in the late afternoon on the 15th and then be in JAX by 7:00 a.m. the next day. That week will be a nightmare. BUT...it will be my last chemo!!!!

Paula, I'm surprised the bigger items didn't go, but maybe you got rid of some stuff you don't want. $125 is what we made Friday at Fall Festival. Every little bit helps.

I hope Mary is having a good time. I really miss her daily tidbits.

We should start making plans for our 5 year survivor reunion in Chicago so we don't lose sight of it.

Later girls.

Janie

My goodness Paula! That is unbelievable. My prayers are with you and your sisters. The negative nodes is good news.

Renee, glad to hear you're getting SOME relief from that hand.

Wish I could write some funny stories in Mary's absence, but after my exhausting weekend and this new worry, I'm afraid I'm not that funny. In fact, I'd have to say I'm a lot less humorous than I was before all this crap started. Probably I'm just not drinking enough.

You all take care, and thanks for the support. Renee, glad to hear the good news in all of this stuff.

My brows, lashes, moustache, leg hair are all back. Nothing underarm yet. At least I'm catching a break there.

I actually went wigless and hatless and everything for awhile at the garage sale this weekend. I've got full coverage, but really really really short. A friend says that in a month, it'll look like I have intentionally short hair...

Going to see the Capitol Steps (political parody) on Friday with that same friend. Girls night out. I'm looking forward to it. I see a drink in my future. Or two.

I can't say I've really had any added fatigue on rads, but I've been really lucky all around. Only slightly pink, no burning. Two regular treatments to go, then five just to the scar area (boosts). My only lingering problem is my foot pain, and I hope that goes away...

Boy, I'm all over these boards tonight. I guess I find comfort here.

I'm having 33 total, 28 regular and 5 boosts. Then onto talking to the onc about Tamox (a little worried as my mom had a stroke despite a completely healthy lifestyle, unlike me), and possible other surgeries. Blech. Who'd have thought I'd be in this position a year ago?

Got to get some sleep. Janie, Renee, I hope you both have great days tomorrow. And I hope Mary's having a blast.

Hi Mary, Haven't heard from you in a while. At least they weren't trying to "discharge" you from treatment.

Paula, I agree. This is like a daily online support group. It is so good to have it available. The people on this thread, in particular, are very responsive. I asked a lung nodule question under lung nodules several days ago and nobody responded. I don't know if they quit reading it or nobody had an answer. The nodules they found in my lungs kind of stay in the back of my mind, especially now that it is getting closer to following up on them.

Renee, hope today and each day is a better day for you.

Warm fuzzies girls,

Janie

Guess Who? Haven't had time to read all the post yet but will catch up. Just wanted to check in and warn yas I'm Back. Hey PJ, I am praying for your sis and you and the other sis. Hang tight and Your right you haven't been drinking enough so go get a six pack. Hugs, missed all you girls. Gotta get back to work, Hey it ain't this Marys discharge either. Mary

Renee, I too had sleep problems but they are getting better the farther away from treatment I get. I wake up to pee a couple times but I do not wake up every hour or two like before for no reason. I can go back to sleep after I pee now. Someone said it takes 2 years to get "normal" after chemo. I have never been "normal" so it will be a new experience. I had a good time but getting back to the post is saddening. I sure hope all goes well for your sister PJ. I am really glad the other sister has had some good luck with her b.c. Its not good to be in our club but its good to have caught hers early. Maybe your third sis will come out as good.That seems pretty rare but my mother-in-laws family was the same way. Every one of her moms sisters and their girls had b.c. My maw-in-law was an only girl in her fam. but her mom had it and her. She had Pagetts desease. I am not getting tested my girls have decided they would not get surgery because there would only be a 50/50 chance and they too think IDC is a little different kind of cancer. Oh well, I can't blame them. Today my husband decided to drive me to treatment as he was bored I guess. My tech said he could come in and see it done if he wants. I mentioned it to him and I figured who would want to its boring? He does so tomorrow or next Mon. Girls I think my husband is trying to kill me. Today again he was screwing with the radio and instead of me watching where he was going I was watching him and he went over the line and a semi was headed for us. I can't take my eyes off the road. I don't have to worry about my b.c. cause hes going to do me in. Enjoyed the Nascar race but Jeff Gorden lost so boo hoo for hubby. Well I better make a wally run I haven't been anywhere but home and work Hugs girls I sure missed ya all, Mary

Hi Renee, Paula, Mary1 and Mary2.

Welcome back Mary! Did you have a good time once you got there in one piece? Paula -- still thinking of you and your family. Renee -- Hot rice towels are good for whatever ails you. You sew a pouch and pour dry rice in it and stitch it up. You microwave it and put it on whatever hurts either sitting up or when you go to bed. It stays warm a good while. It usually relieves you enough to help you sleep.

MKB - picked up the Monistat yet?

Tomorrow is # 11 of 12. We will be leaving bright and early.

Later ladies.

Janie

Yesterday was beautiful outside, so I walked around the 'outside mall' Bought a few things that I've been putting off- like new sheets for the guest bed. Today will be 60, so have to go for a long walk. Then back to 40's. Except- I'll be in Arkansas visiting mom and dad. Hopefully it will be warm there- or I'll keep driving south!I'm excited to see them.

Paula- Maybe your on the conference call already- what a great idea. I use them all the time and it is so helpful. As I was reading your other post about chemo rooms- we have the'Ritz' also. Seperate rooms, tv, many with windows, food, beverages, and pretty.

Janie- should be receiving #11 as I type. When you read this you will have only 1 left- Yippee for you! We are cheering you on and praying for not many side effects! I think you also told me about the hot rice pack. I knew they were easy to make and now I can. I purchased one years ago for my neck, but it absorbed a 'popcorn' smell. Guess I put it in the micro a little to soon after making popcorn! Now if it was lavender as something I wouldn't complain.

Mary- I'm sure I will have driving stories after our trip too. Tom drives the whole time and I do 'put the brakes on' . I know he's had enough when he says "aren't you going to nap soon?!"
Renee

Renee, That is so cool. Makes you wonder, doesn't it, about kismet and fate and all that stuff?

Conference call should be in about an hour or so. Talked to rad onc today. She's really happy with how I've done on rads. Five boosts to go, then I'm outta there. We (she had a medical onco with her who wanted to see what radiation does to the skin, but I'm apparently not the best example) talked about my sisters. It was helpful.

I'll let you guys know what's up after the conference call..

Mary, did you say mammo?

Well, the fun continues in our family. My mom got hit in the eye with a tennis ball (hit by her nemesis) and has a torn iris and a blood clot in her eye so she can't see well, can't read, can't lie down flat. No wonder I've never won the lottery; we just have bad luck. But I'm taking a mental vacation from worry for a few days, at least until my latest sister's biopsy results come back (probably not til Tue).

So, you guys have fun plans for the weekend?

Hi All, Well another busy day. Had it off and my daughter met me at Rads. and we went to the outlet mall x-mas shopping. Its freeking raining. It has rained for weeks I think. I am a little sick of it and now its turning cold like low 30's. I had to get mammo check up yesterday and have the surg. oogle at my boob. He was running late and I sat in the little room for 2 and a half hours so I opened the door and stood in the doorway and walked the hall in my gown of course I wore it optically correct and had the opening in the front and had it pulled tightly shut.I hear that some people actually put the opening in the back Tehe, Its probably just a folk legend I doubt thats true. Well I hope you girls are feeling good. We are all getting throught this. We are all pulling for ol PJ and her sisters too. You know I was thinking this morning and that in itself is a feat, but we have cared for each other and worried about each other and loved each other and have become good friends. If anything positive has come from this its the friendship we share, The pain and suffering we can only know and the help we can only give to each other and receive from each other. I will always have you girls in my heart and prayers and never stop the hope that you all remain remissed forever. That said I have a story for you gals!I have to go get some food cooking. I haven't caught up on the local news papers yet. I have to work at 8 so later girls, Hugs, Mary

Mary, When will you hear back the results from the mammogram?

Paula, it seems like you just started rads. Can't believe you are almost done. I guess you feel differently about that though. I bet you are really getting anxious.

How are the rest of you doing?

I meet with a team of docs next week after my last chemo to set my schedule etc. I have six weeks of rads and one year of Herceptin still left to go. My treatment is 18 months altogether with close monitoring for 15 years (if I make it that long). I asked the nurses if the Herceptin requires the pre meds cocktail. They said they usually start with it and then start weaning off of it. They say some need it and some don't. I am prone to reactions so....

I am hoping I can eventually do without a designated driver...especially for an entire year.

Well. I had better get to bed. Tomorrow's another day, another 79 cents (inflation).